Slovenia leads 2-0 against US at halftime in Group C match at World Cup

Slovenia leads 2-0 against US at halftime

JOHANNESBURG — Slovenia led the United States 2-0 at halftime in their Group C match at the World Cup.

Valter Birsa’s superb shot in the 13th minute and Zlatan Ljubijankic’s goal in the 42nd gave the Slovenes the edge.

Birsa’s left-footed drive from more than 25 yards caught U.S. goalkeeper Tim Howard off-guard. Ljubijankic shot past Howard just before the break to double the lead.

Birsa was also involved in one of Slovenia’s two previous scoring chances, but failed to connect with Birsa’s cross from the right in the ninth minute.

The Americans had chances during a period of sustained possession but couldn’t capitalize, partly because they hesitated to shoot. Samir Handanovic punched away Francisco Torres’ curling free kick from the right in the 36th.

(This version CORRECTS Corrects scorer of second goal to Ljubijankic instead of Novakovic. RUNNING through halftime. THIS STORY WILL BE UPDATED AND THEN TOPPED WITH MAIN GAME STORY.)